Mix And Match: WORCS Allows Hybrid Machines in Pro ATV Class
A recent rule change in the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) may shake up the competition a bit. Hybrid ATVs no more than 450cc are now allowed in the Pro class. But it's not exactly what you might think!
By “hybrid,” we don’t mean batteries and electric motors, but different engines than the ATV came with from the factory. The revised ruleset reads as follows:
“Hybrids allowed with the following rules to be followed: Quad must be no bigger displacement then 450cc. Hybrid must have the stock geometry of stock frame (size, width, length, weld points, location of suspension mounts). Frame should be stock other than gussets to help with frame strength and motor mounts to mount new motor. Aftermarket suspension parts (shocks and A-arms) are acceptable. Only motors allowed are motors that are currently in production by a manufacturer. No one off custom motors allowed. Example: Different manufacturer motor can be placed in another manufacturers frame.”
Last weekend’s season opener in Primm, Nevada debuted the new hybrid rules and two hybrid machines. Ten-time champion Beau Baron rolled out his Honda TRX450R with an engine from a CRF450R dirt bike, which took him to a class win. Roberto Villalobos also brought a TRX450R/CRF450R hybrid, placing fourth in class.
This could be just the beginning of some creative combinations. While both of these builds used a Honda bike engine in a Honda ATV, there’s nothing stopping anyone from using engines from other applications. They don’t even have to be from the same manufacturer as the ATV itself. With Beau Baron taking an early lead on a hybrid, it could be just a matter of time until some wacky combination comes along to give him a run for his money.
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